(Wines&Vines) - After selling winery in Sonoma, Cohn launches new brand from remaining vineyard

Glen Ellen, Calif.—Bruce Cohn is no stranger to the wine country scene and his name is known to both wine and music lovers across the country. The founder of B.R. Cohn Winery in Sonoma Valley, for 42 years Cohn doubled as the manager for the Doobie Brothers rock group, and his winery was known as much for its classic rock festivals as it was for its estate wines.

 That is until July of 2015, when, according to Cohn, he “hit a brick wall,” and was essentially forced by his bank, Bank of the West, to sell his estate — and name — to Vintage Wine Estates group to pay off $24 million debt. When contacted by Wines & Vines, a spokesman for Bank of the West declined the opportunity to comment on this story, citing company policy.